300223 VO Marine Primary Productivity (2008S)

Primary productivity plays a central role in the ocean. This Lecture focuses on the horizontal and vertical distribution pattern of the marine primary productivity. Emphasis is put on the eco-physiological reasons and the consequences of local/regional overproduction and inhibition. Such phenomena are discussed in general and further supported in case studies. We will examine the contribution of diverse groups of primary producers to the total marine primary productivity and introduce techniques to measure the productivity. Various euphotic ecosystems (kelp forests, seagrass meadows, the euphotic water column) are presented, their specific productivity is compared and the ecology of their producers discussed.